Author Topic: Just getting started (Read 23671 times)

wsdstan · « **Reply #1 on:** May 27, 2015, 01:55:53 PM »

Well it sure looks like It is a good start.

Nice stuff.

MrFixIt · « **Reply #2 on:** June 01, 2015, 11:28:11 AM »

Quote from: wsdstan on May 27, 2015, 01:55:53 PM

Well it sure looks like It is a good start.

Nice stuff.

Thank you!

MrFixIt · « **Reply #3 on:** June 01, 2015, 11:30:07 AM »

Tried some holly the other day, nice, subtle grain.

upthecreek · « **Reply #4 on:** June 01, 2015, 04:18:00 PM »

Looks fantastic in my opinion. The bottom one in the first pic is an eye catcher for me. Nice work.

Creek

Dano · « **Reply #5 on:** June 01, 2015, 05:58:54 PM »

Those all look great! As much as I like the top pics, that Holly really has a cool look to it.

offtrail · « **Reply #6 on:** June 01, 2015, 09:45:18 PM »

Nice job!

Spyder1958 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 02, 2015, 04:28:36 PM »

Great job, love cherry for spoon an such. That holly has a good looking grain.

wolfy · « **Reply #8 on:** June 02, 2015, 04:30:42 PM »

That holly is interesting.......l ooks a lot like some olive wood handles I've seen. NICE WORK!

PetrifiedWood · « **Reply #9 on:** June 02, 2015, 07:06:50 PM »

It looks like you are off to a good start! But holly berries are toxic and I would caution against using it for eating utensils.

MrFixIt · « **Reply #10 on:** June 03, 2015, 06:03:28 AM »

Quote from: PetrifiedWood on June 02, 2015, 07:06:50 PM

It looks like you are off to a good start! But holly berries are toxic and I would caution against using it for eating utensils.

I knew the berries were toxic, but didn't realize that toxicity extended to the wood.
Thanks for the heads up!

And thanks to all for the kind comments!

After a google search, there seems to be a good bit of info concerning holly and it's properties.
Toxicity of the wood is not apparent, and quite a few "expert" spoon carvers highly recommend it.

Now I'm confused...

Unknown · « **Reply #11 on:** June 03, 2015, 09:28:41 AM »

Rhododendron is toxic as well, if you eat the leaves but I've heard is fine for spoons.
Walnut trees can kill competing plants that try to grow near one, but it have used a walnut spoon for ages.

I haven't looked into Holly, but still wouldn't worry too much. Toxicity is one of those words that sounds scary, but might be virtually meaningless in some instances. Maybe not the best example- Some people are allergic to poison ivy, some are not affected by it, PI is listed as a toxic plant. You have to know how the thing affects you. On the other hand toxicity can also mean very deadly.

MrFixIt · « **Reply #12 on:** June 03, 2015, 12:39:10 PM »

Quote from: Unknown on June 03, 2015, 09:28:41 AM

Rhododendron is toxic as well, if you eat the leaves but I've heard is fine for spoons.
Walnut trees can kill competing plants that try to grow near one, but it have used a walnut spoon for ages.

I haven't looked into Holly, but still wouldn't worry too much. Toxicity is one of those words that sounds scary, but might be virtually meaningless in some instances. Maybe not the best example- Some people are allergic to poison ivy, some are not affected by it, PI is listed as a toxic plant. You have to know how the thing affects you. On the other hand toxicity can also mean very deadly.

I would hate to give someone something that could be potentially harmful.
I know poke salad berries are toxic (my brother had to have his stomach pumped when we were kids) but my grandmother used to cook and eat the leaves all the time.

Unknown · « **Reply #13 on:** June 05, 2015, 10:38:35 AM »

Nothing wrong with caution. I'd hate to be wrong on this. My confidence is quite high most woods you'd want to use for wooden ware are safe unless eaten. Of course ring, and semi- ring porous have higher potential to harbor bacteria.

Keep on carvin bro

MrFixIt · « **Reply #14 on:** July 24, 2015, 05:21:47 AM »

After some research, (and having found nothing concerning toxicity) I decided to try some Chinese Privet (aka waxwood).

This was stained with tea.

Quenchcrack · « **Reply #15 on:** July 24, 2015, 05:54:02 AM »

Darned nice work, Mr.FixIt. I think you are on a roll here.

MrFixIt · « **Reply #16 on:** July 24, 2015, 10:10:24 AM »

Quote from: MaxEntropy on July 24, 2015, 05:54:02 AM

Darned nice work, Mr.FixIt. I think you are on a roll here.

Thank you!
I guess I should post more photos of the other dozen or so I've carved lately...

Here are a series of pics of a work in progress

A round of privet.

MrFixIt · « **Reply #17 on:** July 24, 2015, 10:11:29 AM »

Oh well, seems that I can't load any more today...

MrFixIt · « **Reply #18 on:** July 24, 2015, 12:27:09 PM »

Splitting the blank with the hatchet

[imghttp://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u385/MrFixIt4/privet%20hatchet_zpsymwv1vra.jpg?1437762180894&1437762181379&1437762184191&1437762188425]http://[/img]

Roughing out the blank
[imghttp://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u385/MrFixIt4/privet%20hatchet2_zpsdwnbta0f.jpg?1437762180894&1437762181379&1437762184191&1437762188425]http://[/img]

I switched to the knife. Just not comfortable enough with the hatchet...

http://i1065.photobucket.com/albums/u385/MrFixIt4/privet%20knife_zpszipudenq.jpg?1437762180894&1437762181379&1437762184191&1437762188424

ETA: I give up!

pete28 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 24, 2015, 02:22:05 PM »

Man you do some nice work my friend! It's funny that you chose holly as that is one of the next ones on my list of woods to try out. Mainly because I have quite a bit of it. That privet looks pretty darn nice as well. I got some of that kicking around my yard somewhere

A side note about hollies (won't consume this thread) but there are a few whose leaves make a phenomenal tea! Yaupon holly tea is incredible and the most caffeinated plant in North America.

Dano · « **Reply #20 on:** July 24, 2015, 07:56:35 PM »

Quote from: pete28 on July 24, 2015, 02:22:05 PM

Yaupon holly tea is incredible and the most caffeinated plant in North America.

I need me some of THAT!!

hunter63 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 24, 2015, 08:14:53 PM »

They look fantastic to me.......

Nice work, and Thanks for posting.

PetrifiedWood · « **Reply #22 on:** July 25, 2015, 11:32:04 AM »

Thought I'd give it a try. It looks like your photobucket for some reason doesn't give image links?

Unknown · « **Reply #23 on:** July 25, 2015, 12:10:46 PM »

It is there at the near the top : a 3 side rectangle with an arrow shooting out the right open side- gives you a drop down menu with various types of links

MrFixIt · « **Reply #24 on:** July 30, 2015, 09:51:19 AM »

Thanks for the kind words and the help on posting pics...I'm a complete idiot when it comes to that type of computer wizardry

MrFixIt · « **Reply #25 on:** July 30, 2015, 09:57:12 AM »

A couple more carved from privet.
The middle one is unfinished at this point, and I have no idea what it could be used for other than a measuring spoon or an organic shot glass...

PetrifiedWood · « **Reply #26 on:** July 30, 2015, 10:33:31 AM »

Really nice shape on these!

crashdive123 · « **Reply #27 on:** July 30, 2015, 03:51:13 PM »

wolfy · « **Reply #28 on:** July 30, 2015, 08:56:40 PM »

Many 'spoons' don't look like one.......those three scream SPOOOON!

MrFixIt · « **Reply #29 on:** July 31, 2015, 05:46:22 AM »

Quote from: crashdive123 on July 30, 2015, 03:51:13 PM

Quote from: wolfy on July 30, 2015, 08:56:40 PM

Many 'spoons' don't look like one.......those three scream SPOOOON!

Quote from: PetrifiedWood on July 30, 2015, 10:33:31 AM

Really nice shape on these!

Thank you all!

MrFixIt · « **Reply #30 on:** August 07, 2015, 06:00:42 AM »

Another small eating spoon carved from privet. This one was oiled only, no stain.
Has a slight downward curve to the handle.

MrFixIt · « **Reply #31 on:** October 02, 2015, 06:29:20 AM »

Finished these the other day, one is going to NY and the other to VA.

Both are carved from privet, and finished with several coats of mineral oil.

U.W. · « **Reply #32 on:** October 03, 2015, 03:52:34 PM »

Hmmm....

Quote from: MrFixIt on July 24, 2015, 12:27:09 PM

Splitting the blank with the hatchet

Roughing out the blank

I switched to the knife. Just not comfortable enough with the hatchet...

here's those photos. not sure why you couldn't post them - or the last one anyway. the first two were missing the front bracket. "[" <~~~~~~~~ that thing in quotes.
keep up the carving...

u.w.

Unknown · « **Reply #33 on:** October 03, 2015, 08:29:33 PM »

Which ones have you used? Or maybe you give each one a test bowl of Cheerios? I guess what I'm asking do regularly eat with a wood spoon, now that you're carving them?

MrFixIt · « **Reply #34 on:** October 06, 2015, 07:10:34 AM »

Thanks U.W., I'm hit and miss on posting photos, mostly miss...

@ Unknown, I have used a couple of them, make some good chili spoons. I just wash them, allow to dry, then re-coat with mineral oil.

MrFixIt · « **Reply #35 on:** October 30, 2015, 11:34:28 AM »

Some crappy shots of the latest one. Turned out OK for a mistake... $:-\$

MrFixIt · « **Reply #36 on:** November 30, 2015, 10:58:12 AM »

MrFixIt · « **Reply #37 on:** November 30, 2015, 10:58:45 AM »

Sarge · « **Reply #38 on:** November 30, 2015, 11:12:41 AM »

Nice work! Nice accent at the end of the handle.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

MrFixIt · « **Reply #39 on:** November 30, 2015, 12:48:34 PM »

Quote from: Sarge on November 30, 2015, 11:12:41 AM

Nice work! Nice accent at the end of the handle.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks Sarge!
I would like to think that my carving skills are getting a little better. I at least feel more comfortable with it.

Unknown · « **Reply #40 on:** November 30, 2015, 02:58:48 PM »

I think you are getting better.

I have trouble getting a good picture too. Spoons are hard to capture.

MrFixIt · « **Reply #41 on:** December 01, 2015, 06:04:02 AM »

Quote from: Unknown on November 30, 2015, 02:58:48 PM

I think you are getting better.

I have trouble getting a good picture too. Spoons are hard to capture.

Thanks Unknown.
My cell phone photography leaves MUCH to be desired.

Quenchcrack · « **Reply #42 on:** December 04, 2015, 05:16:09 AM »

Nice work, great progress!

MrFixIt · « **Reply #43 on:** December 04, 2015, 01:16:00 PM »

Quote from: MaxEntropy on December 04, 2015, 05:16:09 AM

Nice work, great progress!

Thanks Max!

MrFixIt · « **Reply #44 on:** February 03, 2016, 07:43:37 AM »

This was carved from wild Bradford pear.

Sarge · « **Reply #45 on:** February 03, 2016, 08:59:33 AM »

Each one is better than the previous. Very nice!

I have some Bradford pear in the firewood pile. It has some beautiful grain and curl. Is it as tough to carve as it is to split?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

MrFixIt · « **Reply #46 on:** February 03, 2016, 09:57:03 AM »

Thanks Sarge!
It carves pretty good, reminded me of privet with the grain changes and small hidden knots.
This was an experiment using this wood. It is considered an invasive species. The next one I do I will give it a tea stain to see what happens.

Quenchcrack · « **Reply #47 on:** February 03, 2016, 10:29:14 AM »

MFI, as I scrolled down this thread, I am impressed with the progress you have made. My compliments, sir!

Unknown · « **Reply #48 on:** February 03, 2016, 12:03:22 PM »

I agree.
Looking good.

Did you use sapwood or heartwood?

MrFixIt · « **Reply #49 on:** February 03, 2016, 12:12:26 PM »

Quote from: Quenchcrack on February 03, 2016, 10:29:14 AM

MFI, as I scrolled down this thread, I am impressed with the progress you have made. My compliments, sir!

Thank you QC! I initially was having problems with the bowl shape of the spoon, but once I learned how to properly use my hook knife, it started getting a little better.

News:

Author Topic: Just getting started (Read 23671 times)